Page 139 of Hidden Depths

The polished brass.

Then...

His gaze settled on Grandpa's bell.

Time seemed to stop.

Nathan walked toward it as though drawn by memory itself.

He reached out.

His fingertips rested gently against the cool brass.

His voice was barely a whisper.

"James..."

A long silence followed.

Then he smiled through glistening eyes.

"You stubborn old sailor."

Storm felt her own eyes fill.

Not because she understood everything.

Because she understood enough.

This man had loved her grandfather.

Nathan turned toward the chart table.

His hand rested on its smooth edge.

"I helped him build this."

Storm blinked.

"You did?"

He nodded.

"We argued for three days over where the compass should go."

Scott couldn't help himself.

"Who won?"

Nathan grinned.

"We both lost."

Storm laughed.

"That sounds like Grandpa."

"It does, doesn't it?"